Today is Financial Awareness Day 2026 – at Leeds Credit Union, we believe everyone deserves access to fair financial services, practical guidance and the confidence to make informed financial decisions. That’s why we’re committed to providing help with money to as many people as possible, helping them build a stronger financial future.
If you’re worried about your finances, you’re not alone. Many people need extra support and seeking help with money can be the first step towards regaining control.
Our dedicated Money and Budgeting Support (MABS) team works with members to understand their circumstances and find ways to improve their financial wellbeing. Their goal is simple: provide useful financial help without prejudice.
They can help with:
Find out more about the team, and how to contact them: Money and Budgeting Advice Service | MABS | Leeds Credit Union
Many people join Leeds Credit Union because they’re looking for an alternative to high-street banks and building societies, but membership offers much more than that.
By becoming a member, you gain access to a range of products and services designed to support your financial wellbeing, including:
We’ve got a range of options when it comes to putting money away. Explore them here: Savings Accounts | Leeds Credit Union
Another way to save is straight from your salary, and that’s available for people who work for our payroll partners.
If you’re looking to borrow money, we also have a range of loan products that could help support your finances.*
You can manage your accounts online, via our mobile app, or in one of our branches. We know everyone likes to manage their money in a way that suits them, and aim to be as flexible and helpful as possible.
We work in partnership with Onepay to ensure our members can access their funds using a card and easily send money to where it needs to be. All of our members can also access Oneperks, which provides discounts at popular retailers. Discover Onepay and Oneperks here.
Finding financial help isn’t always about one solution. And we work closely with a range of organisations that help people feel better about their finances. Here are just a few:
| Service | Information |
|---|---|
| Stop Loan Sharks | Illegal money lenders can leave people trapped in cycles of debt, intimidation and financial hardship. If you’re concerned about a loan you’ve taken out or believe someone may be lending money illegally, Stop Loan Sharks provides free and confidential support. |
| FoodSavers | FoodSavers initiatives help individuals and families access affordable food while reducing food waste. They can be an excellent resource for households looking to reduce everyday living costs. |
| Citizens Advice | Citizens Advice offers independent support on debt, benefits, employment rights, housing and many other issues affecting financial wellbeing. |
| StepChange Debt Charity | If debt is becoming difficult to manage, StepChange provides free debt advice and tailored solutions to help people regain control of their finances. |
Financial Awareness Day isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about recognising when you need support and knowing where to find it.
Whether that means speaking to our Money and Budgeting Team, exploring the benefits of Leeds Credit Union membership, or accessing trusted organisations that provide financial help, support is available.
If you need help with money, we’re here to listen, support and guide you towards a more confident financial future.
*All loans, and loan amounts, are subject to credit, affordability, and criteria checks. We aim to provide a quick and fair decision. Loans are available to UK residents and over 18s only.
Colleagues from Leeds Credit Union recently attended FinTech North, one of the UK’s leading events exploring innovation, digital transformation, and the future of financial services.
It was a great event with a range of topics covered, and we brought back valuable insights into how the evolving fintech landscape is shaping the way financial organisations serve their members.
Why FinTech North matters to Leeds Credit Union
While Leeds Credit Union is not a fintech by definition, events like FinTech North provide an important opportunity to stay connected to emerging technologies and industry trends.
As member expectations continue to evolve, things like digital journeys, automation, and data-driven services are playing an increasingly important role in financial services.
For Leeds Credit Union, embracing these changes is key to continuing to deliver accessible, reliable, and inclusive services.
Cam Low speaking on the Financial Inclusion 3.0 panel
“It’s a great opportunity to shift people’s perspective on Credit Unions”
Our Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Cam Low, spoke on the ‘Financial Inclusion 3.0’ panel, and was keen to make sure the voice of credit unions like ours was heard.
“It’s a great opportunity to shift people’s perspective on Credit Unions and highlight how important our work is. There is a lot more innovation happening across the sector than I realised. Sometimes it’s hard to see as we are often dealing with those that are digitally excluded. It’s been a tough few years for the sector but most people’s outlook is a lot more positive for the coming few years.”
“Events like FinTech North are our window into where the industry is heading next”
Ben Mosley, our Head of Operations, also attended the event and sees it as a key opportunity to collaborate with and learn from others.
“It’s about keeping pace and staying ahead. Events like FinTech North are our window into where the industry is heading next. They act as a pit stop, giving us the chance to refuel with new ideas, connect with others, and fine-tune how we move forward. By collaborating with peers and innovators, we are not just watching change happen, we are helping shape it, bringing back fresh thinking, embracing the right technology, and continuously raising the bar for the service we deliver to our members.”
For Ben it also served as a reminder of the role we play, and the responsibility we have, to ensure we remain committed financial inclusion as innovation continues. “It reinforced that innovation isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about using it to widen access, improve outcomes, and ensure no member is left behind.”.
“It’s about making smart technology choices”
For Project Manager Aga Murton, FinTech North provided valuable insight into how organisations can successfully implement change by being savvy when it comes to collaboration.
“Successful innovation isn’t always about having the biggest budget—it’s about making smart technology choices, collaborating with the right partners, and continually improving the experience for our members. It highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with security, resilience, and value for money”
Attending FinTech North reinforced a clear message: the future of financial services will be shaped by those who can successfully combine innovation with trust and accessibility, and this is our intention.
Leeds Credit Union remains committed to exploring how emerging technologies can help:
While technology continues to evolve, the organisation’s purpose remains unchanged—putting members first.
The October half term is just around the corner and there’s a wide range of activities for families to get stuck into between Saturday October 26th and Sunday November 3rd.
From petrifying paintings to garden parties, Barking and Dagenham have plenty to offer. Here are some of our top picks!
Petrifying Plant Pot Painting.
Get your little ones into the spooky spirit of the season with some arts and crafts at Valence House in Dagenham this Halloween as they choose between pumpkins, spiders, witches and ghosts to paint on their very own Halloween terracotta plant pots!
This exclusive event is only taking place on Halloween night – Thursday, October 31st – from 12:00 pm to 01:30 pm. Advanced booking is essential so follow the embedded link above to secure your place!
Valence House, Valence Library, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham. RM8 3HT.
Autumn Garden Party.
Head over to the White House in Dagenham on Saturday, October 26th, for a festive afternoon of creativity, food and music celebrating all things Halloween and harvest this half term!
Enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly workshops focused on harvest-themed crafts, live music and entertainment, free food and tours of the stunning gardens.
And don’t worry if the outdoor attractions get a bit chilly – the event’s organisers are providing heaters and blankets to ensure everyone stays warm!
The White House, 884 Green Lane, Dagenham. RM8 1BX.
Jolly Jungle Halloween Party.
If your kids need to let off some steam this half term, head over to the Jolly Jungle for a special Halloween party!
One of Dagenham’s best soft play destinations, Jolly Jungle features a huge play area, a ball pit and a seriously big slide! This Halloween, it’s put together a special package that includes one hour of play time, one hour of game time, competitions with special prizes and unlimited soft drinks!
Two Halloween parties will take place, both on Wednesday, October 30th, from 2pm – 4pm and 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. To book spaces, please call: 020 3889 6238.
The Jolly Jungle, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Althorne Way, Dagenham. RM10 7FH.
Stay in control of your finances this Halloween.
However you decide to spend half term, we can help make it more affordable with one of our loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
The countdown to half term is officially underway, and there’s a wide range of activities for families to get stuck into between Saturday October 26th and Sunday November 3rd.
From Halloween delights to pumpkin trails, Wakefield and the surrounding area have plenty to offer. Here are some of our top picks!
Halloween at Stockeld Park.
Ready for a SPOOK-tacular Halloween adventure at Stockeld Park?
Packed with eerie excitement for all ages, this is one of the best Halloween events around, with an Enchanted Maze, magical witches, creepy creatures and lots of other spooky goings-on besides!
Taking place every day from Saturday, October 26th, until Sunday, November 3rd, this is the perfect opportunity to dress up in your scariest costume and get ready for a day of fun where you’ll also learn how to wave a wand, mix a potion and cast a spell!
Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby. LS22 4AN.
Half Term Pumpkin Trail.
It wouldn’t be the October half term holidays without a few pumpkins so why not head over to Nostell and get involved in some seasonal fun?
Running from Saturday, October 26th, until Sunday, November 3rd, the Half Term Pumpkin Trail includes an outdoor adventure trail in the famous Georgian house’s garden and parkland, pumpkin hide and seek, a special selfie arch and plenty of spooky surprises!
Food and drinks – including autumn favourites like pumpkin spice lattes – are also available from the site’s cosy cafe and there are more than 300 acres of outdoor spaces to explore for those on the lookout for some fresh air and a good walk!
Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell. WF4 1QE.
Spooky Skeleton Safari.
Over the next few weeks, beloved half term destination Tropical World will be getting a Halloween makeover, with a host of eerie animal skeletons hidden around the park’s different enclosures!
A range of keeper talks will take place daily, while arts and crafts will also be available, along with seasonal food and drinks and an outdoor Halloween trail in the Canal Gardens.
Tropical World, Roundhay Park, Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.
Don’t Let The Cost of Halloween Scare You This year!
Whatever you’re up to this Halloween, at Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of affordable loans to help you survive this spooky season and the costs that come with it.
To find out how much you could borrow, click here: https://leedscreditunion.co.uk/
The countdown to half term is officially underway, and there’s a wide range of activities for families to get stuck into between Saturday October 26th and Sunday November 3rd.
From meeting penguins to celebrating Halloween or getting stuck into some arts and crafts, Leeds has plenty to offer. Here are some of our top picks!
The Penguin Experience at Lotherton Hall.
Lotherton’s adorable Humboldt penguins have always been among its most popular attractions but now, for the first time ever, you can book an experience to meet them up close!
Grab a VIP wristband and meet a keeper before heading to meet the penguins in person at feeding time. You’ll get to watch them in all their glory from the viewing platform and you’ll even have the opportunity to feed them some of their favourite fishy snacks!
The Penguin Experience runs throughout half term and at weekends.
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Ln, Lotherton Ln, Aberford, Leeds. LS25 3EB.
Halloween Hauntings at Temple Newsam.
If it’s a Halloween/half-term crossover your kids are after, you’re in luck – Temple Newsam’s Halloween Hauntings event combines creepy crafts and spookily themed rooms to great effect!
A mostly family friendly occasion, only the Spooky Cellar Tour (aimed at the 7+ age group) might prove too frightening for younger visitors. But on the plus side, Leeds’ biggest firework display – Autumn Lights – will also be held at Temple Newsam on Saturday November 2nd!
Halloween Hauntings will take place every day during half-term, with the entry price included with general admission. Spooky Cellar Tours cost an additional £5.
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds. LS15 0AE.
Calacas Crafts.
Looking for something a little different this half term? Why not celebrate the world famous Day of the Dead with some Calacas Craft sessions at Leeds City Museum?!
Visitors can drop by and join in the festivities by designing their own Day of the Dead mask, adding to the museum’s huge skull paintings or making a flower crown, all while learning about Latin American culture and traditions.
Taking place from Tuesday 29th October to Thursday 31st October 2024, the sessions will run between 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds. LS2 8BH.
Don’t Let The Cost of Halloween Scare You This year!
Whatever you’re up to this Halloween, at Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of affordable loans to help you survive this spooky season and the costs that come with it.
To find out how much you could borrow, click here: https://leedscreditunion.co.uk/
Notification of Pay Date change – Leeds City Council Payroll Scheme Members
Leeds Credit Union has been advised by Leeds City Council that the pay date for employees is changing from the 16th of the month to the 26th of the month.
This change will impact Leeds City Council payroll members only from February 2025, when members’ deductions will be paid across on or just before the 26th of the month.
Existing arrangements will be in place until that date. Please note this may differ from the date you get paid by Leeds City Council. What does this mean for Payroll Scheme members?
We are pleased to confirm that Leeds Credit Union will cover the additional interest charges so members will not incur further fees (this may be seen as a credit to your loan account after the changes have been made and applied only if the loan repayment is paid).
Payment amounts will not change. If you are happy for Leeds Credit Union to change the date of the loan repayment to align with the new LCC payroll dates, you do not need to contact us, we will make this change for you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes please email us at services@leedscreditunion.co.uk or call us on 0113 242 3343. If you do not want Leeds Credit Union to change your loan repayment date you have the option to opt out of the payroll scheme.
If you opt out of the payroll scheme you will have to make alternative arrangements to pay the loan.
Please note: If you opt out – You may be charged additional interest and the APR for the loan may increase. Please email us at creditcontrol@leedscreditunion.co.uk quoting your membership number.
You need to contact us by November 30th 2024 if you wish to opt out. Please note, you do not need to contact us if you are happy with these changes. We will align your savings deposits and your loan repayments to the new pay date. Members will not incur any additional charges. These changes will come into effect from February 2025.
It’s competition time for residents in Barking & Dagenham!
With the summer holidays upon us, many parents could use a hand making healthy meals just a little quicker than usual… which is why we’re giving away a top-of-the-range Philips 3000 Series XL Air Fryer worth £132 absolutely free to one lucky person!
To take part, simply open an account with Leeds Credit Union before 5pm on Friday, August 2nd. You will be automatically entered into the prize draw, with the winner being drawn on Friday, August 9th!
NB this competition is only available to entrants that live or work in Barking & Dagenham.
Terms and conditions.
By joining Leeds Credit Union, you can build financial resilience for you and your family through our simple savings accounts and affordable loans.
The Easter holidays are upon us, so what have you got planned?
If the answer is “Not a lot”, you’re missing a trick – there’s something for everyone in and around Leeds over the coming days. Such as…
Leodis Space Agency.
The Leodis Space Agency is on a mission to deliver a range of activities the whole family can enjoy, with exhibits to discover, alien encounters and interactive workshops taking place from now until April 14th at various locations across Leeds City Centre.
Click here for more information!
Leeds city centre.
Easter at Harewood House.
This Easter, until April 14th, Harewood House has something special planned for little ones, with a stunning Rainbow Rabbit Easter Trail around the Lakeside Path and a series of challenges to win a special prize in the Rainbow Rabbit Arena!
For rainy days, visitors will be able to take cover and head inside the House for the Easter Treasure Hunt, where little ones will have to track down the Easter characters hiding in and amongst the furniture.
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds. LS17 9LG.
Fabulous Food and Fancy Feasts at Temple Newsam.
Enjoy a delicious day out at Temple Newsam this Easter and experience rooms set for feasts and learn about fabulous food from the past while you take part in family fun crafts, activities and trails throughout the house.
Running from now until April 14th, you can also explore the historic mansion with hidden treasures, encounter rare breed animals at Home Farm and stroll through the impressive grounds and gardens!
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds. LS15 0AE.
Easter at Tropical World.
Head to Tropical World this Easter and take part in an Easter trail with a difference!
Collect a trail sheet then make your way through Topical World hunting out the hidden eggs – you’ll learn plenty of fascinating facts about the animals on your way!
Taking place from now until April 14th, Easter at Tropical World also features daily animal feeding and keeper talks too, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy
Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.
Stay in control of your finances this Easter.
However you decide to spend the Easter holidays, we can help make it more affordable with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
In the ever-evolving landscape of today’s workplaces, employee well-being is a crucial metric for many organisations. A recent study by Zellis* has unveiled eye-opening statistics about the financial stress affecting UK employees, including:
As well as affecting employees personally, this stress also impacts their employers, with 35% of staff saying that the worry makes them less able to focus at work; 22% saying it takes them longer to complete tasks; and 17% admitting that they make more mistakes or errors. And a report by CEBR on behalf of Aegon UK**, suggests this worry is costing employers £10.3bn each year.
According to the Zellis research, a significant percentage of staff grapple with the challenge of managing day-to-day expenses, with a notable portion expressing concerns about handling unforeseen emergencies. In this context, the financial well-being of employees has become a pressing issue, impacting job performance, job satisfaction, and overall workplace morale.
Payroll saving could be part of the solution
As businesses seek effective ways to address these challenges, payroll saving programmes stand out as part of the solution. Offered by many credit unions, payroll savings schemes are free – for both employee and employer – and help staff begin to build some financial resilience.
Credit unions – such as Leeds Credit Union – are member-owned financial cooperatives. Everyone who saves (or borrows) with a credit union becomes a member and has their say on how the credit union is run via their annual general meeting. Fully regulated by both the PRA and FCA, most are also members of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, so any savings are protected should the worst happen.
How do they work
The fine details may vary slightly between different credit unions but, in general, an employee joins the credit union, then tells it how much they would like to save each month. This amount is then automatically deducted from the employee’s salary and paid into their credit union account.
This not only cultivates disciplined saving habits but also addresses some of the financial challenges identified in both the Zellis and CEBR reports, helping to build long term financial resilience and reduce worries about money.
Leeds Credit Union works with many employers – both large nationals and smaller local businesses – in delivering payroll saving and lending.
If you would like to find out more about helping your employees through payroll savings, please email: partnerships@leedscreditunion.co.uk
or contact our Business Development Manager Mike Moore via LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-moore-9655571b/
*”Under pressure – How financial stress impacts employee wellbeing and productivity 2023”. zellis.com
** “Financial wellbeing & productivity in the workplace” A CEBR Report for Aegon UK September 2023
Every year in the UK, there’s a special week called Talk Money Week. It’s all about making it easy for people to talk about money. Talking about money can be hard, but during this week, everyone is encouraged to have open conversations about their finances.
Talk Money Week happens in November, and lots of different groups and schools join in. They organize events and workshops to help people learn about things like saving, budgeting, and understanding credit (which is like how you borrow money).
The goal of Talk Money Week is to make talking about money normal and not something to be shy about. Many people feel awkward discussing money, but it’s important because it helps us make good choices. By talking openly, we can learn how to save money, plan for the future, and deal with debts.
When we talk about money, we can make better decisions, and that’s what Talk Money Week is all about. It helps everyone, from families to individuals, be smarter about their finances and be ready for whatever comes their way.
To find out what’s happening in Leeds during Talk Money Week and other local organisations that can help you with your finances, visit…
Better Leeds Communities: a charity that aims to improve employability, support families and reduce child poverty in Leeds. https://betterleeds.org.uk/
Citizens Advice Leeds: https://citizensadviceleeds.org.uk/
Money Buddies: provides face to face, online and telephone help and advice on financial wellbeing, debt, budgeting and benefits. https://moneybuddies.org.uk/
St Vincents Leeds: provide help to people who are struggling financially, without employment, education and community support in Leeds. https://svp.org.uk/stvincentsleeds